The Timex ReWound service will accept used watches of any brand, sending prepaid shipping cards to consumers with old watches who want to return them.
The watches will be recycled into something new or sold on the Timex ReWound website.
Those that are still functional and available for resale will be checked, cleaned and refurbished first with a working battery.
Watches that don't pass inspection will be disassembled for parts and turned into something new, the company said.
Customers who send in a watch will receive a coupon for a 20% discount on their next purchase from Timex.com.
“Every watch has a memory and a story that needs to be told. This initiative will help preserve our planet.” As Shari Fabiani, senior vice president of brand and creativity for the Timex Group, said.
“Circularity is about preserving value and not creating waste in the process. Every year, 2 billion tonnes of waste is created with 99% of this ending up in landfills. A Timex is built to last and keep on chugging. Our goal is to keep watches on wrists and out of landfills.”.
The programme is currently only available to US consumers. But it will likely expand it to other markets in the future, Timex said.
The company is working to achieve its sustainability goals by using innovative materials. Such as apple peels, wheat husks and #tide, which is recycled plastic from the ocean.
As part of its effort to reduce its carbon footprint, Timex also applies waterless tanning processes. As well as leather certified by the Leather Working Group, which developed an environmentally conscious protocol for leather goods.
Timex's goal is for the 50% in their collection to be made with “eco-friendly” components, such as recycled materials.
By 2030, Timex aims to halve its greenhouse gas emissions. With a target of zero emissions by 2050.
The Timex Group produces its namesake watches, as well as watches under other brands. Such as Adidas, Ferragamo, Furla, Guess, Nautica, Philipp Plein, Ted Baker and Versace.
Source: nationaljeweler.com
